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Lands of the Bible
plus Oberammergau Passion Play
and Optional Egypt Extension
with
Pastor Graham & Freda Carslake
29 Jun to 20 Jul 2010
Israel: | Masada, Jordan Valley, Sea Of Galilee, Jerusalem... |
Turkey: | Kusadasi, Istanbul (Constantinople), Izmir, Ephesus... |
Greece: | Athens, Acropolis, Mars Hill, Corinth, Kalambaka, Meteora, Samos... |
Germany: | Oberammergau Passion Play... |
TUESDAY 29TH JUNE 2010
Depart from Australia to Tel Aviv, ISRAEL, THE HOLY LAND. (Meals on plane)
WEDNESDAY 30TH JUNE 2010
Morning arrival into Tel Aviv, Israel, where we will be met by Inner faith Travel representative and transfer to our hotel on the Mediterranean Sea. Overnight Tel Aviv. (Meals on Plane – D)
THURSDAY 1ST JULY
This morning we depart for Nazareth the village where Jesus grew to manhood. We visit the Mt of the Precipice for a view over Nazareth and the surrounding Jezreel Valley. We spend time at Nazareth Village recreating village lifestyle during the time of Jesus experiencing the Nazareth Jesus knew! We visit the Church of Annunciation that covers the boyhood home of Jesus. Passing by Cana where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle we return to the SEA OF GALILEE to view a multi media presentation at the Galilee Experience covering of the history of the region. Overnight Galilee. (B - D)
FRIDAY 2ND JULY
Today we explore this historical region of Galilee. Remember how Jesus walked on the water? Our special traditional sailing vessel will take us across the Sea of Galilee, stopping in the middle for a time of reflection and singing. Rejoice! Jesus is alive. We disembark at Nof Ginosar, a kibbutz located on the shores of the Kinneret where we will see the remains of a boat from the time of Jesus. Arriving later to CAPERNAUM, the city of Jesus, we visit the ruins of the synagogue where Jesus performed many miracles. You will see the excavations of ST PETER’S house and visit TABGHA, where Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fishes to feed the multitudes. Later ascending to the top of the MOUNT OF BEATITUDES, we will read the Sermon on the Mount. We finish our day at the Yardenit Baptismal site on the JORDAN RIVER. Opportunity will be given for those wishing to be baptised for the first time or rededication if baptised as an infant. Overnight by the Sea of Galilee. (B-D)
SATURDAY 3RD JULY (JEWISH SABBATH)
Following in Jesus’ footsteps to Jerusalem we visit Mt Tabor and travel via the Jordan Valley and Jericho. Ascending the Mountains of Israel along the Old Jericho Road to view the St George Monastery that clings to the cliff face - up to Jerusalem. Overnight Jerusalem. (B-D)
SUNDAY 4TH JULY
We awaken in the city of the Great King. You can feel the atmosphere that sets Jerusalem apart from any other city in the world. We have a full day of touring Old Jerusalem, following in the footsteps of Jesus, including the MT OF OLIVES and the GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE. Entering into the OLD CITY through ST STEPHEN’S GATE we visit the POOL OF BETHESDA, where Jesus cured an invalid, and continue to the Ecce Homo Convent to view the Lithostratos, the Pavement and to visit the PRAETORIUM, site of the public trial and condemnation of Jesus. We continue through the colourful Bazaar streets passing the Stations of the Cross along the VIA DOLOROSA arriving to the Holy Sepulchre Church. We proceed from there to the Citadel of David and the UPPER ROOM where we will reflect on the events of the LAST SUPPER, believed to have taken place on this site. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B- D)
MONDAY 5TH JULY
We begin our day at the Shrine of the Book that houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. The model of Jerusalem, including the Temple, from the time of Jesus is next followed by some time at Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in honour of the six million lives taken during WW11. We return to the Old City and the Western Wall the most holiest site for the Jewish people. Security permitting we will ascend the TEMPLE MOUNT to the Dome of the Rock, the site where Abraham offered up Isaac. We will walk through the CARDO, the heart of Jerusalem. Then journey back in time in the Burnt House, remains from the Second Temple period and the Temple Institute to view authentic replicas of Jewish Temple worship implements. Holy time to pray at the WESTERN WALL, the most sacred site for the Jewish people. Overnight Jerusalem. (B-D)
TUESDAY 6TH JULY
We travel southward. Then on through the Judean Wilderness to the mighty fortress of MASADA, the site of the last heroic 3 year stand of 960 Jewish defenders against the Roman Empire. Masada has become a symbol of courage and perseverance for the Jewish people. From its heights (by cable car) we have tremendous views of Jordan and the Dead Sea. Afterwards, we will join Graham & Freda for ‘a float’ in the medicinal salt waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest elevation in the world. We pass by Ein Gedi, the area where King Saul pursued David. We also visit Qumran the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. From there, we ascend the Mountains of Israel for our return to Jerusalem. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B-D)
WEDNESDAY 7TH JULY
This morning we make a pilgrimage to where it all began – BETHLEHEM of EPRAHTAH, the birthplace of Messiah. We visit the Church of Nativity, en route passing by Rachael’s Tomb and the Shepherd’s Fields. We will have time to shop at the Three Arches store in Bethlehem. From Bethlehem we travel to Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist. Returning to Jerusalem we complete our day at the GARDEN TOMB joining in a Communion Service where we celebrate the resurrection of our King with the empty tomb in the background. Overnight Jerusalem. (B-D)
THURSDAY 8TH JULY
Morning free in Jerusalem. Noon departure to the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv for our flight to Istanbul, Turkey. Overnight Istanbul. (B-D)
FRIDAY 9TH JULY
Today we tour this magnificent ancient city beginning with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul. This huge complex commands views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It was the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire for many centuries and you will see the extravagant treasury and priceless Chinese porcelain. Outside the palace we can view the ancient Roman aqueduct. We visit St Sophia, which was both Cathedral and a Mosque, and is now a magnificent museum, the Blue Mosque - famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles and its unique six minarets built in the name of Sultan Ahment and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held. Overnight Istanbul. (B-D)
SATURDAY 10TH JULY
Morning free in Istanbul to explore on your own rest. Late afternoon flight to Izmir for overnight. (B-D)
SUNDAY 11TH JULY
In the Port city of Izmir, known in the New Testament book of Revelation as SMYRNA, we visit the Velvet Castle built by one of Alexander the Greats generals. We travel to PERGAMON where we will climb to the Acropolis referred to as the seat of Satan. Overnight Izmir. (B-D)
MONDAY 12TH JULY
Morning drive to SARDIS, the capital of the ancient Lydia, where the first coin of the world is invented. See the ruins of the early Church constructed next to the Temple of Diana. Continue to Alasehir to see the 1st century PHILADELPHIA Church. En route to Ephesus we visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the grave of St John the Apostle and archaelogical museum at Selcuk. In the centre of Selcuk we will see a huge statue of the Goddess Artemis who Paul spoke against in Ephesus. Then on to the colourful Port of Kusadasi for overnight. (B-D)
TUESDAY 13TH JULY
Today we tour the ruins of EPHESUS (Rev. 2:1) once the Roman capital of Asia of which Paul asked "is there a greater city"? We will walk the ancient marble streets past the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Basilica of St. John the Apostle. Overnight Kusadasi. (B-D)
WEDNESDAY 14TH JULY
After breakfast we cruise to Samos by ferry and transfer from port to airport to take a midday flight to the Greek capital of Athens. On arrival we travel to the Corinthian Canal (quick stop for photos) and on to ancient Corinth (Acts 18:1-18). It was to this megalopolis where the apostle Paul came and worked, established a thriving church. Overnight Athens. (B-D)
THURSDAY 15TH JULY
Morning city tour of Athens. We will climb up to the marble-capped Acropolis and visit the famous Parthenon and the Erechtheion. We will then walk to nearby Mars’ Hill (Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) where the Apostle Paul delivered his well-known sermon. Our tour continues with the highlights of modern Athens: we pass by the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Parliament House, Presidential Palace, Panathenian Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Academy, the University and the National Library. After lunch we travel through scenic countryside and traditional Greek villages to Kalambaka. En route we will make a short stop at Delphi. Overnight Kalambaka. (B-D)
FRIDAY 16TH JULY
Morning tour to spectacular Meteora with its thousand-year-old Byzantine monasteries perched precariously on huge rocks. Returning via Thermopylae to Athens for overnight. (B-D)
SATURDAY 17TH JULY
We depart Athens for our flight to Munich, Germany. From Munich we travel through picturesque German countryside to the quaint alpine region of Oberammergau for overnight. (B-D)
SUNDAY 18TH JULY
Morning free to explore the village. The PASSION PLAY will be presented after lunch in a full afternoon and evening of theatre. This unique drama will enrich us spiritually and be a vivid reminder of our Saviours suffering, death and resurrection. Overnight nearby Oberammergau. (B-L-D)
MONDAY 19TH JULY
Morning departure to the Munich airport for our return flight to Australia (BMeals in flight)
TUESDAY 20TH JULY
Arrival home with memories to last a lifetime. (Meals in flight)
OPTIONAL EGYPT EXTENSION
DAY 1
Early morning arrival to CAIRO, EGYPT where we transfer to our hotel to refresh and rest. Afternoon tour to the famous PYRAMIDS OF GIZA. We will also see the once majestic SPHINX, the 7th wonder of the world. We will visit a Papyrus Factory and a Perfumery. Overnight in Cairo. (Meals in flight-D).
DAY 2
After breakfast, we depart for a full day of touring of the Egyptian capital, Cairo. We begin at the Cairo Museum that houses TUTANKHAMEN’S TREASURES. During the afternoon we tour Coptic Cairo and the Muquattam Mountain cave church, located in Cairo’s dump. Overnight Cairo. (B-D)
DAY 3
An exciting day awaits us as we depart Cairo early morning by air-conditioned coach for our crossing of the SUEZ CANAL, to MT SINAI. We travel through the arid and ancient countryside of Egypt following in the footsteps of Moses to arrive at the base of Mt Sinai for overnight. An evening meeting with our tour guide and those climbing this mystical mountain. (B-D)
DAY 4
For the adventurous, an early morning expedition to the summit of Mt Sinai has been planned. We will ride our camel two thirds of the way under the starlit desert sky. Then make a vigorous climb up the final ascent of 900 steps carved by monks over the centuries. Be prepared for unparalleled views of this mountainous region drenched in brilliant shades of purple, pink and red as the sun rises. Don’t forget your camera for some tremendous shots. (torch is recommended also) It is believed that Moses viewed the burning bush near the base and received the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments on the summit. We return to our hotel for breakfast and to refresh ourselves before a visit to the St Catherine Monastery, which dates back to the 3rd Century. We return to Cairo for overnight. (B-D)
DAY 5
Today we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Aswan to board our vessel for a three night cruise from Aswan to Luxor. We will tour by Felucca around Elephantine Island, the Botanical garden and the Agha Khan. Overnight on board at Aswan. (B-L-D)
DAY 6
After breakfast on board our tour of Aswan includes The High Dam, The Unfinished Obelisk and The Temple of Philae. After lunch we Sail to Kom Ombo. Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated for gods Sobek and Haroeris. Sailing on to Edfu for dinner & overnight. (B-L-D)
DAY 7
Breakfast on board. Visit the Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the god Horus. Lunch on board during sailing to Esna, where we cross Esna Lock. Sail to Luxor. Overnight on board the cruise ship in Luxor (B-L-D)
DAY 8
After breakfast our tour of the West Bank includes the Colossi of Memenon, The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El-Bahari and the Valley of Kings. We then transfer to our Luxor hotel for overnight. (B-D)
DAY 9
Return flight to Cairo for onward flight to Tel Aviv, ISRAEL. Overnight Tel Aviv. (B-D)
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